Elmer's Friends (Spanish- English) Book

Elmer's Friends is a book that tells the story of Elmur, a multi-coloured elephant who is the 'brightest of all the elephants' and follows his journey through meeting his friends. He first comes across a Zebra and notices his striped exterior. He then meets a Giraffe and acknowledges how tall the Giraffe is going on to say "No one is taller than you". Further on into Elmer's journey he comes across a Snake, Kangaroo, Mouse, Lion, Owl, Polar bear and Leopard and realises how each individual animal has certain characteristics or physical traits that reinforce their individuality. It is this uniqueness within each of the animals that helps to unite them as friends.
The book itself purveys a very positive message of how everyone is special and unique in their own way. The book may be considered to be more applicable for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) because of its simplicity, however this does not make it any less appropriate for Children in Key stage one or Key stage two. The visual images within the book and sentences make it accessible for any child within the EYFS stage, regardless of their ability range. Using this book as part of 'guided reading' is one way that this particular book may be used in a class. However, there are other ways that this book can be used in the class too. It can be used as an example of showing 'good values' and respect to other children within the class. Certain themes such as those of identifying animals or colours can also be used within the EYFS and even Key stage one phase.
Overall, I find that Elmer's Friends is one of those books that every child should have the opportunity to be able to read, whether through guided reading, individual or classroom reading. The book has so many positive aspects that can help to support children in their learning.